This summer has been full of neat, fun things so far. We bought a used 4-wheeler and the kids have been having a blast with it in the field. All three of them are light enough to ride it and it gives them some more balance and driving practice (and is a blast to ride). Ben's been using it to drag branches out of the woods (with a rope tied to the back handle) and to the brush pile. Every once in a while we get a chance to get both 4-wheelers out and play follow the leader (in a slow pace way).
Another first for the area is our semi-large Trebucet (about 7 1/2 feet high from the deck to the axle of the throwing arm). We built it to throw pumpkins this fall and had a great time building it and throwing 1 gallon water jugs into the field. We also gave a class to 4 home school families to teach physics principles associated with this type of catapult (force, moment arms, inertia, radial velocity). It was very exciting and we had a great day with it. We loaded up the weight basket with 300 lbs, then 400 lbs and finially 500 lbs of rocks and threw the jug of water 67 yards - what a great splash when it landed! At the end of the day with our final shot, the bottom of the weight basket finially fell out (great timing) which was our "school bell" to release the class.
We've also gotten involved with the local soccer groups this summer. The recreation teams are great and we have a great forum for the kids to learn how to play without a lot of stress. They've all increased their talents wonderfully over the short 4-week timeframe. Benjamin is playing for the first time (it's great to see him progress) and Andrew is continuing his annual fun. Rachel and I are helping to coach Andrew's team and it's plenty of fun for all (we both get a chance to work with the kids).
Well, I have to go to work now. The leaves are turning beautiful around us now and we get a chance to experience another beautiful fall, and my commute becomes a treat for the eyes. More pictures and text on that later. Love to all.
